Charles Stephen (Steve) Mason died on Aug. 23, 2020, after a long life filled with many blessings.
Born in Bellefontaine in 1926 to Francis and Paul Mason, Steve grew up as the youngest of three. His older siblings Mary Jane (Mason) Ewing and Robert Mason preceded him in death. Steve was active in sports and music throughout his life. He followed his older brother into WWII, enlisting in the U.S. Navy as soon as he turned 18. Steve served as a radio operator on a repair ship in the South Pacific.
He returned home from the war and instead of going to work for his uncle’s bakery, Steve attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he received a degree in Business and was a member of the ATO fraternity. He met the love of his life there, Mary Catherine (Mary Kay) Vanica, also from Bellefontaine, whom he married upon his graduation from college in 1950.
After many years in Bellefontaine, Steve followed a career path that took his young family to Chattanooga, Tenn., where he worked as Manager of Manufacturing Engineering for Singer Cobble for many years. Steve was very active in his church, coached softball for his daughters, and was an active volunteer. He was also a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge #209 of Bellefontaine.
Steve is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Mary Kay Mason, his three daughters Claudia Bargiel (Pete), Susan Gilbert (Ron), and Jenny Mason (Jodi Barry). He is also survived by four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, nieces and nephews.
The funeral has been held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hixson, Tenn., where Steve and Mary Kay have been members since moving to Chattanooga in 1967.